21 Dec 2012

LDO from Diodes Incorporated Boosts Drive Capability

Diodes Incorporated has introduced a pair of ultra-low dropout, LDO, linear regulators, capable of delivering a continuous 3.0A output for a dropout voltage of just 0.23mV.

With maximum input voltages of 3.65V and 5.5V, respectively, the AP7175 and AP7176B provide an adjustable output voltage suitable for high-efficiency systems in a wide range of products including notebooks, PCs and set-top boxes.

To meet the sequencing requirements of FPGAs, DSPs and other digital devices, both LDOs provide an enable input and power-good output, allowing users to configure custom power management solutions with different start-up and power-down characteristics.

When disabled, the devices also facilitate automatic discharge of the output voltage stored on the output capacitor, thereby improving system reliability.

The AP7175 and AP7176B also integrate a soft-start function that reduces in-rush current during the start-up period, which is typically 0.6ms.

In addition, the LDOs’ on-board current limit, short-circuit and thermal shutdown protection functions ensure that connected loads are fully protected against any possible current excesses.

Both LDOs are provided in the reduced thermal impedance, industry-standard SO-8EP and smaller form factor MSOP-8EP exposed pad packages. These packages reduce the junction-to-case temperature differential, enabling the devices to deliver high load currents over their whole -40ºC to +85ºC ambient temperature range.